Memorial hall celebrates reform spirit of Ming dynasty politician

A portrait of Zhang Cong. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Zhang Cong Memorial Hall in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, which displays the achievements of the eminent politician who lived during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), offers insight into the statesman's enduring cultural and spiritual legacy.

Zhang Cong (1475–1539) was born in the eleventh year of the Chenghua Period (1475) of Emperor Xianzong in what is now Pumen village, Yongzhong sub-district, Longwan district.

At 18, Zhang became a Xiucai by passing the county-level examination of the keju, the imperial examination system for selecting bureaucrats. He passed the provincial test and achieved the Juren rank at 24. After years of unremitting efforts, he finally obtained the highest degree in the imperial examination and was awarded the title of Jinshi at 47.

Zhang committed himself wholeheartedly to the country and was appointed prime minister three times in the early years of Emperor Shizong. He abolished outdated practices and introduced a range of reform measures, such as emphasizing judicial power and stripping eunuchs of their power. These progressive actions boosted a series of programs launched by Emperor Shizong that historians would later call the Jiajing New Deal.

The memorial hall of Zhang Cong in Longwan district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Zhang was also a famous poet and scholar of etiquette.

"As a virtuous and wise prime minister, Zhang Cong was honest and upright, knowledgeable and sagacious, and his virtues, talents and spirit of innovation are still admired and praised by the world," said an official from the Longwan district culture, radio, television, tourism and sports bureau.

In order to preserve his spirit and pass on his values, the Zhang Cong Memorial Hall opened to the public in October. It is located next to his ancestral temple and covers an area of more than 4,000 square meters.

The hall has three floors that highlight the relationship between Emperor Jiajing and Zhang Cong, Zhang's life struggles, and Zhang's friends. There are many exhibits, including Zhang's inscriptions, handwriting, books, and other cultural relics. Digital projections, interactive screens, and other multi-media technologies help increase immersion.

This is currently the largest and most complete memorial hall for a historical or cultural figure in Wenzhou.